Twenty-three newly enrolled midshipmen from the Chicago Consortium Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) programs gathered at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) for their freshman orientation, Aug. 10-17. 
    The NROTC Chicago Consortium consists of students from Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois Chicago and Loyola University.
    A consortium is made up of two or more NROTC units from separate colleges or universities that are located within the same geographical proximity.
    Rear Adm. David F. Steindl, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), who directly oversees the NROTC program, congratulated each of the new midshipmen for their acceptance into the NROTC program and thanked each one for volunteering to serve the Navy and Marine Corps.
    Steindl spoke to the midshipmen at the NSGL Marina, where the midshipmen were learning how to sail. 
    “I want to congratulate you all for choosing Navy ROTC,” said Steindl. “You made the right choice because the Navy and Marine Corps team is always in the fight. You are all in for an exciting ride as you begin the NROTC program and get commissioned a Navy Ensign or Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. Have a great freshman year and I look forward to seeing you again in the fleet.”